In the final week of National Mentoring Month, Joe Sinnott, CEO, Witting Partners and host of The Energy Detox Podcast, joins the founder of The Crude Life, Jason Spiess, to discuss a few mentoring stories.
Sinnott shares a story about a mentor who told him to strive for mediocrity.
“This mentor's advice was strive for mediocrity,” Sinnott said. “That was his advice, strive for mediocrity. Now he expanded upon that, but that was the start of the lesson.”
Sinnott elaborated on this explaining how he was 22 at the time so the context was a bit different, however the life lesson transcends time.
“The moment that somebody realizes you are mediocre, they kind of peg you as being mediocre,” Sinnott said. “Then they're going to start looking elsewhere, or they're at least not going to be listening to you with the same level of intent as they would have otherwise, or the same level of respect if they actually thought you had attempted to strive above mediocrity.”
The conversation starts with mentor, student, teacher talk stemming from the Kansas City Chiefs Baltimore Ravens football game involving the two head coaches and their mentoring story.
The interview also dives into different forms of mentoring. Spiess used his experience in the mentoring world with media as something different than industry.
The two also discussed the difference between admiration of mentoring and idol worshipping, using Taylor Swift and Michael Jordan as examples.
National Mentoring Month, launched in 2002, is an annual campaign observed in January dedicated to acknowledging the transformative power of mentorship and its impact on people's lives.
The initiative aims to unify and expand the mentoring movement, celebrate the significance of relationships, and raise awareness about the importance of mentorship.
Mentoring plays a crucial role in personal and professional development, fostering meaningful connections between mentors and mentees. National Mentoring Month serves as a platform to recognize and appreciate these valuable relationships, whether in the workplace, academia, or personal life.
The campaign encourages organizations and individuals to actively participate in mentoring programs, emphasizing the positive impact mentors can have on the lives of their mentees.
National Mentoring Month, an integral part of the campaign, focuses on empowering mentors and mentees through collaboration, programs, and workshops. The month-long celebration provides an opportunity to highlight success stories, share best practices, and inspire others to engage in mentoring relationships.
In essence, National Mentoring Month serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of mentorship and the role it plays in shaping a brighter and more interconnected future.
The Crude Life has been honored to sponsor, support and engage with all walks of life in the world of mentoring.
From Brian Lash, founder of Target Logistics offering advice to oilfield professionals to supporting young leaders interviewing Harold Hamm, Chairman of Continental Resources to sponsoring Miss Teen North Dakota’s mental health platform, The Crude Life has been honored to support and sponsor their mentoring message.
Steps to Finding a Mentor
Self-Reflection: Reflect on your career goals and where you are in your professional journey. Consider why you seek a mentor and what specific guidance you hope to gain.
Identify Mentoring Goals: Define both short-term and long-term goals to guide your mentorship search. Knowing your objectives will help you find a mentor aligned with your aspirations.
Research Potential Mentors: Conduct thorough online research to identify potential mentors. Read reviews, testimonials, and case studies to assess their credibility and compatibility with your needs.
Networking: Leverage your professional and personal networks to identify individuals who may serve as mentors. Attend industry events, join networking groups, and connect on professional platforms.
Utilize Mentorship Platforms: Explore mentorship platforms such as SCORE.org, where you can answer a series of questions to be connected with a mentor.
Reach Out: Once you identify potential mentors, reach out to them with a concise and personalized message. Express your admiration for their work and explain why you believe their guidance would be valuable.
Establish Common Ground: When connecting with potential mentors, seek common interests or shared goals. Building a connection beyond professional aspects can strengthen the mentor-mentee relationship.
Ask for Guidance: In your initial interactions, be clear about your goals and ask for guidance. Propose specific questions or topics you'd like assistance with, demonstrating your commitment to the mentorship.
Be Open and Flexible: Be open to different forms of mentorship, including one-time advice sessions or ongoing relationships. Flexibility increases the likelihood of finding a mentor whose style aligns with your preferences.
Express Gratitude: Regardless of the outcome, express gratitude to individuals who consider mentoring you. Building positive connections is crucial for future opportunities and networking.
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Mentoring Month Sponsor: Witting Partners
Witting Partners helps energy industry leaders achieve and sustain peak performance by combining an unmatched blend of oil & gas experience, insight, and results with the power of leadership coaching, workshops, and keynotes so that you and your stakeholders don't un-wittingly damage your odds of achieving long-term success.
If you want to produce 𝑺𝑼𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬 results, then turn to a resource with 15+ years of proven success stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Appalachia, from service company to operator, and from drilling rig to downtown boardroom.
To learn more, visit Witting Partners’ website or follow on LinkedIn.
Mentoring Memories: Should you Strive for Mediocrity?